Rao's Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
If you love Italian food, there's no doubt that spaghetti and meatballs is one of your favorite dishes. It's a classic recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, and for good reason. A plate of spaghetti and meatballs is comforting, filling, and downright delicious. One of the most popular versions of this dish is Rao's spaghetti and meatballs recipe, which is known for its rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked meatballs.
The History of Rao's Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
Rao's is a legendary Italian restaurant located in East Harlem, New York City. It was founded in 1896 by Charles Rao, and it has been a favorite spot for celebrities, politicians, and locals ever since. Rao's spaghetti and meatballs recipe is one of the restaurant's most famous dishes, and it has been featured in countless cookbooks and food blogs.
The recipe itself is a closely guarded secret, but over the years, some details have been leaked. The sauce is made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of Italian spices. The meatballs are a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients for Rao's Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
For the sauce:
- 2 cans of San Marzano tomatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 pound of ground pork
- 1/2 pound of ground veal
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the pasta:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- Salt for the water
Directions for Rao's Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for a few minutes until they're translucent. Add the San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. To make the meatballs, combine the ground beef, pork, and veal in a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it's well combined. Form the mixture into meatballs that are about 2 inches in diameter.
4. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they're browned on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Bake the meatballs in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until they're cooked through.
6. While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
7. Add the spaghetti to the baking dish with the meatballs and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot, garnished with some fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Rao's spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a classic Italian dish that has stood the test of time. It's a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. While the recipe itself may be a closely guarded secret, you can make your version at home with the ingredients and directions provided above. Serve it to your family and friends, and watch as they savor every bite of this timeless dish.